See how RTG 2610 InnoRetVision works –
Organisation and Quality Management
We implemented a quality management system based on DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 with elements of the EFQM system in the organization and processes of RTG 2610. The structural organization of RTG 2610 is described in the organigram below. All roles are defined with clear responsibilities and tasks in a QM manual. The main processes will be described in managed documents. All documents are available for every member of the RTG via a shared webspace. Results are continuously measured and feedback is given regularly from PIs and thesis committees to doctoral researchers but simultaneously vice versa from trainees to PIs and other members of the RTG. Each evaluation is done following written standards. We will not only measure and analyze the results of the doctoral researchers but also the results of the RTG as a whole organization in terms of scientific and social impacts. We will also establish cooperations with partners such as researchers in other universities, non-university based research institutions, and companies, in Germany and abroad. Further, we will establish a scientific and educational network to improve carreer chances for our members as well as for a further development of this important topic. The QM Manual explains basic mechanisms and processes as well as documentary steps and strategies. It can be provided on request.
The RTG specific Quality Management System (QMS) is implemented by the speaker of the RTG, supported by a secretary with QM experience. Regular internal audits of the QMS will be established. For the second phase of the RTG, we will establish external audits. All documents of the RTG QMS will be provided for the RTG-members via a shared webspace. Within this system, the acknowledgement and the approval of documents is possible independently from the location of work.
Not only organizational but also content related aspects will be discussed in the plenum of the RTG where all PIs and students meet. We will establish a culture of discussion where students have the same possibilities and rights to participate with suggestions as PIs and associated members. For their own work, students can discuss every aspect with their supervisors. The QM-procedures will be discussed on a yearly base. They will be adapted to the experiences in order to optimize the QM concept.
We will discuss in regular meetings of the RTG members relevant new information and results generated by our own group and other groups. This information will be used to modify and up-date projects and to plan new projects for the second phase of the RTG. The quality of each project is monitored in terms of scientific impact, publications, publication indexes, and conference presentations by the supervisors. We are aiming at continuously improving the scientific value of each project using these measures.
The success of the RTG is defined by the degree of retainment of the students, the successful completion of the thesis projects, its scientific outcome and by the outstanding qualification of the doctoral researchers and their successful continuation of their career. Therefore, we will monitor the scientific outcome as described above. We expect that each PhD and MD thesis will be published in an international periodic journal with a peer review process. We will also monitor the career of each student by organizing an alumni program where we keep in touch with the students after they finished their thesis. These students are becoming associated members of the RTG. We expect that all students will find an attractive Postdoc position in the academic world or in the industry. We will establish and perform standardized interviews to record their postdoc career.
